Babylonian Math Problem

This is a real math problem assigned to Babylonian kids (in modern Iraq) about 1900 BC.

Here's the problem:

Suppose you have two equilateral triangles, one inside the other. Can you figure out the area of the space between the two triangles? Here's a hint: see how you can divide the area into three trapezoids?

A better drawing of the problem

You'll need to know how to find the area of a trapezoid. (Scroll down for a better drawing of the problem)

Bibliography and further reading about West Asian science:

Karen Eva Carr, PhD.Assoc. Professor Emerita, History
Portland State University

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Professor Carr holds a B.A. with high honors from Cornell University in classics and archaeology, and her M.A. and PhD. from the University of Michigan in Classical Art and Archaeology. She has excavated in Scotland, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and Tunisia, and she has been teaching history to university students for a very long time.

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